A YOUNG swan with a condition that could lead to its siblings drowning it has been taken from Sankey Canal to a Yorkshire swan sanctuary for physiotherapy.

The cygnet, aged around two months old, was developing Angel Wing syndrome - a condition that means the bird may never fly or move properly as its wings were growing at the wrong angle.

Chris Hewitt, 50, from Wargrave in Newton, spotted the issue and contacted Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue, who came to assist the bird.

Bird lover Chris, who runs Avia Wild Bird Care, monitors the swans on the stretch of the canal near where he lives.

He said: "There is a family of seven cygnets I've been watching over. One sadly developed Angel Wing syndrome - its wing is growing the wrong way, its movement would be hindered and it might never fly.

"If it had been left, the risk is it would be drowned by its family - that's what happens in nature, it's an act of compassion really."

Chris said he was delighted when Dan Sidley from Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue confirmed he could come and take the swan.

Dan has made a number of television appearances in pursuit of his work - including for Channel 4's Pet Rescue and The Paul O'Grady Show and the BBC's Animal Hospital, and Countryfile.

Chris, who said the cygnet hatched on May 26, said: "I was so pleased to find someone who could come to take it - and he came all way from north Yorkshire.

"The condition has to be dealt with while the bird is young. It has already had its wings wrapped back into normal position and each day they will change the dressing - it is getting intensive physiotherapy - so the future looks positive.

"At some point they will reintroduce it into the wild."